Murad III

This replica from the 16th century exhibited in your room is of one of the 87 talismanic shirts from the Collection of Sultan’s Clothing at Topkapi Palace and it is considered to have belonged to Murad III according to the prayers, motives and meanings of the talisman on the shirt and therefore was adorned with one of his poems…

May this talisman make your success, family and generosity forever…

It is one of the best example of the tradition; ordered and presented to Murat III by one of Mevlevi Sheiks Sinan Dede…

The life of the owner of the shirt, Murat III, is rather interesting. He married Safiye Sultan during his time as the son of the sultan at the palace and lived a monogamist life for a long time. He, however, later had many other marriages and tens of children after wearing the talismanic shirt his mother Nurbanu Sultan had tailored for him. He is the Sultan of Ottoman Empire who had the most wives and children. Such information strengthens the belief in the power of the talisman. Murat III who reigned for 20 years never physically joined an expedition and spent most of his time at the harem yet Ottoman Empire reached it’s broadest frontier during his time in which the role of the excellent statesmanship of his Grand Vizier Sokollu Mehmed Pasha is enormous.

The Sultan who was educated on the same level as a scientist, a writer, poet and advanced calligrapher was much loved because of his closeness to public, generosity and wisdom.

Sinan Dede was one of the most important persons of his time. He had seen three Sultan’s reigns who took special care of him. He tried a way to express his appreciation and gratitude for Murat III who helped the mevlevi community largely. He decided to have a talismanic shirt tailored for him. He saw the Head Augur privately. After a long and toilsome time, the propitious moment was calculated. Then started the preparation of the special cottons which was another period of weeks, months even years. Finally, handmade by the calligraphers, the exquisitely ornamented shirt was weaved according to the rituals. After all the exclusive care and efforts, the outcome turned out to be very special piece of art.

The talismanic shirt is made of very thin white cotton such like a paper; collarless, short sleeved and has front and back slits with cotton lining inside. The front of the shirt is divided into three compositional sections; two opposing circles on the chest part and one big centric circle in the middle. In addition to these circles, other geometrical patterns such as squares and diamonds are noticeable. These patterns are believed to strengthen the power of the talisman. Expectedly are there prayers and surahs in and around these circles. Apart from the prayers, the adornment is enriched by colourful flowers.

The ornament of the back of the shirt is composed of two parts; the first part is two concentrical circles that cover the back of the shirt and the second part is a three-lined-decoration falling from the top of the slit down the ends. The decoration is finished with variously coloured flowers. The shirt has a special place in the collection because of the fine detailed handmade ornaments in the skirts of the shirt and the abundant yet balanced use of gold colour.

The Sultan famous for his generosity left many wives and children behind himself after he passed away…